Clone Troopers

At the time of their introduction, the Republic clone troopers represented the future of galactic warfare. Far superior to battle droids, the clone troopers formed the backbone of the Republic's new military that waged war against the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. So symbolic were they of the times, the galaxy-wide conflict that saw their debut took its name from their ranks: the Clone Wars.

video

video

Clone troopers take on battle droids and artillery as they shake out the Separatist presence on Utapau.

video

HISTORY //

FALL OF THE REPUBLIC

Clone troopers were grown on the planet Kamino from the genetic template of bounty hunter Jango Fett, and made into a highly-efficient military force. The origin of their creation was murky; Prime Minister Lama Su told Obi-Wan Kenobi that the order was placed by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas in the name of the Republic. Sifo-Dyas, however, was killed shortly after the Battle of Naboo, and the Jedi Council had no knowledge of the army. Still, with a Senate vote by Representative Jar Jar Binks to give Supreme Chancellor Palpatine the authority to use the army, clone troopers were called into action. They debuted in the Battle of Geonosis, showcasing a military might never before seen in the galaxy, and the Clone Wars began.

Throughout the Clone Wars, clone troopers fought the battle droids of the Separatists across the galaxy. They were loyal to their Jedi generals and the Supreme Chancellor, often sacrificing themselves when called for. While the clones were bred to be soldiers, each clone had his own distinct identity, from Captain Rex to Commander Cody to Cut Lawquane, a clone who didn’t believe in the war and became a farmer. But for most, the war was all they knew and they were proud to fight for the Republic.

Clone troopers fought the war on all fronts for three years. Toward the end, they engaged the Separatists over Coruscant while Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker rescued Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and later fought side-by-side with Wookiees on Kashyyyk. But a hidden trigger implanted in every clone would soon change the galaxy forever; Palpatine, now known by the Jedi to be Darth Sidious, issued Order 66 -- naming every Jedi an enemy of the Republic and calling for their eradication. Clones turned on their longtime allies, slaughtering them across worlds and inside the Jedi Temple under the stewardship of Darth Vader. Ultimately, clone troopers proved to be Palpatine’s secret weapon in assuming control of the galaxy.

Related //

Purged from the otherwise complete Jedi Archives is all evidence of the mysterious world of Kamino. A lonely world beyond the Outer Rim and just south of the Rishi Maze, few could have predicted that Kamino would become a key contributor to a massive shift in political power in the final days of the Republic. Kamino is a planet of endless oceans and storms. Few features mark its surface, save for massive stilt-mounted cities wherein reside the planet's natural inhabitants, the Kaminoans. From Tipoca City, the planet's Prime Minister rules. Lama Su closely monitored the operations of Kamino's most prized export: clones.

databank

In the final years of the Republic, Jango Fett was regarded as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. A proficient marksman and unarmed combatant, Fett was covered in a sleek armored suit that concealed his scarred face. His combat gear featured an arsenal of weaponry, including retractable wrist blades, a snare, dual blaster pistols and other more exotic tools of the trade. In combat, Jango used his harnessed jetpack to gain the advantage of speed and height over his enemies. The backpack also carried a nasty surprise -- an explosive rocket could be launched from it. For interstellar travel, Jango traveled aboard his well-worn starship, Slave I.

databank

A wise and patient Jedi Master, the Togruta Shaak Ti fought at the Battle of Geonosis, and supervised the training of clone cadets on Kamino. There, she struggled to balance the necessity of producing capable troopers with compassion for the clones as living beings. Ti helped defend Kamino against Separatist attack, balancing assignments in the field with her duties on the Jedi Council.

databank

Rather than use flesh-and-blood warriors, the Separatists prefer mindlessly loyal soldiers that are easily controlled. The soulless ranks of their armies are dominated by tall, thin B1 battle droids built as mechanical imitations of their Geonosian designers. Battle droids can be controlled by centralized command centers such as the Trade Federation’s enormous Droid Control Ships, or programmed for independent action. They often suffer programming glitches that manifest as personality quirks. Battle droids are dim-witted and no match for clone troopers or Jedi, but they weren’t designed to be smart – they were designed to overwhelm Republic civilians through sheer numbers, something they do very effectively.

databank

Stormtroopers are elite shock troops fanatically loyal to the Empire and impossible to sway from the Imperial cause. They wear imposing white armor, which offers a wide range of survival equipment and temperature controls to allow the soldiers to survive in almost any environment. Stormtroopers wield blaster rifles and pistols with great skill, and attack in hordes to overwhelm their enemies. Along with standard Stormtroopers, the Empire has organized several specialized units, including snowtroopers and scout troopers.

databank

Discovered as a slave on Tatooine by Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker had the potential to become one of the most powerful Jedi ever, and was believed by some to be the prophesied Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force. A hero of the Clone Wars, Anakin was caring and compassionate, but also had a fear of loss that would prove to be his downfall.

databank

A legendary Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi was a noble man and gifted in the ways of the Force. He trained Anakin Skywalker, served as a general in the Republic Army during the Clone Wars, and guided Luke Skywalker as a mentor.

databank

Yoda was a legendary Jedi Master and stronger than most in his connection with the Force. Small in size but wise and powerful, he trained Jedi for over 800 years, playing integral roles in the Clone Wars, the instruction of Luke Skywalker, and unlocking the path to immortality.